Mainly practiced by the “Surma” community is a form of African martial art known as Surma Stick Fighting. This “traditional” martial art form is said to have originated from South Sudan and Southwestern Ethiopia. Apparently, this form of martial art is “ritualistic” in nature and is practiced mainly by young men.

a. History/origin of the Surma Stick fighting:

According to the cultural histories of Southern Sudan and Southwestern Ethiopia, this form of martial art was developed within the “Surma” community as a type of “ritualistic practice”. Apparently, it was created so that young men within the community could find wives for themselves. In other words, it is a form of ritual that allowed men to prove their worth to young women within the community.

b. Weapons used in the Surma Stick fighting:

The weapons used mainly in this martial art form are a pair of sticks.

c. Technique involved in the Surma Stick fighting and training availability:

In terms of technique, this form of martial art is usually fought between two sides consisting of 20 to 30 fighters mainly men. Furthermore, these fighters from both sides get an opportunity to fight “one-on-one” using a pair of sticks. In addition, these fights are conducted by a “referee” who ensures that the fighters strictly adhere to the rules. As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this “traditional” martial art form is mainly practiced within the “Surma” community in South Sudan and Southwestern Ethiopia as a kind of a “ritual”.

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